Newport DUI Lawyer Lectures at Salve

Newport DUI Lawyer Lectures at Salve

Posted By
Robert Humphrey

I am greatly honored to have once again lectured the students of Salve
Regina University, located in Newport, Rhode Island, on the successful
detection, prosecution and defense of drunk driving (DUI, DWI, OUI) cases.
The November of 2010 DUI workshop is part of the DUI and Refusal Cases
Beyond the Basics series of lectures and articles the Law Offices of Robert
H. Humphrey is conducting for the Rhode Island Bar Association, Salve
Regina University, and other educational programs in 2010. This educational
program provides an opportunity for the Salve Regina University students
to discuss issues beyond the basics of these types of complicated cases
involving the admissibility of chemical test results, the admissibility
of the standardized field sobriety tests, and the suspect's statutory
and constitutional rights to a timely release on bail. Emphasis is given
to teaching the students the advanced trial techniques and practice pointers
for the successful prosecution and defense of DUI and Refusal cases.

In every
drunk driving ("DUI" or "DWI") case the Prosecution and Defense are concerned
with five (5) basic components of the case as follows:

1. Can the Prosecution establish the requisite reasonable suspicion to
stop the suspect's vehicle;

2. Can the Prosecution prove the suspect's operation of the vehicle;

3. Can the Prosecution demonstrate the necessary probable cause to arrest
the suspect;

4. Can the Prosecution prove that the suspect was under the influence
of intoxicating liquor and/or drugs to a degree that rendered him/her
incapable of safely operating the vehicle; and

5. Can the Prosecution prove compliance with R.I.G.L. 31-27-3 (the suspect's
right to an independent physical examination by a physician of his/her
own choosing).

In every
refusal case the State must prove, by clear and convincing evidence, four (4) key elements
to sustain a refusal charge. The four (4) key elements are the following:

1. That the law enforcement officer who submitted the sworn report to
the RITT had reasonable grounds to believe that the defendant had been
driving a vehicle within the State while under the influence of intoxicating
liquor or drugs;

2. That the defendant, while under a lawful arrest, refused to submit
to a chemical test upon the request of the law enforcement officer;

3. That the defendant had been informed of his or her rights in accordance
with R.I.G.L. 31-27-3; and

4. That the defendant had been informed of the penalties incurred as a
result of non-compliance with R.I.G.L. 31-27-2.1.

The law of drunk driving and refusal to submit to a chemical test is an
ever evolving area of the law. For help with a DUI charge, call our office
right away.